FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

Which of the following is true concerning emergency solder repairs of broken wires?

1. A permanent crimped splice connector is preferred to a solder repair

2. Solder repairs are always permitted

3. All solder repairs are prohibited

4. Only certain manufacturers allow solder repairs

The correct answer is: A permanent crimped splice connector is preferred to a solder repair

A permanent crimped splice connector is preferred to a solder repair because crimped connections provide better mechanical strength and are less prone to failure due to environmental factors and stress. Solder joints, while effective for electrical connectivity, can become brittle over time and may not withstand the vibrations and thermal cycles typically present in aircraft environments. Additionally, solder repairs can introduce the risk of cold solder joints, which are unreliable, or may not provide the same level of moisture resistance as a crimped connection. Therefore, for long-term repairs and safety considerations, a crimped splice is typically favored over a soldered connection in aviation applications.